The Winnipeg Jets say defenceman Zach Bogosian’s wrist injury goes back to his days with the Atlanta Thrashers.

Bogosian had surgery on his right wrist Friday morning, and while the team says it was successful, it’s still expected to keep the 22-year-old sidelined well into the coming NHL season.

The Jets say Bogosian will be out of commission four to six months after having a "chronic" ligament tear repaired by renowned sports surgeon Dr. Thomas Graham in Cleveland.

"This wrist has been an issue which has troubled him for the past couple of seasons dating back to his time in Atlanta and forced him to miss games with the Jets last season," Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said in a statement.

Bogosian’s recovery time pegs his return for the beginning of January, at best, or the beginning of March, at the latest, meaning he could miss the lion’s share of the season, depending on when it starts.

It also raises questions about why he didn’t have the procedure done at the beginning of the off-season, which for the Jets was more than four months ago.

The Jets made nobody available for questions.

"After resuming his on-ice training earlier this month, the wrist problem flared up again to the point surgery was deemed the best option,” Cheveldayoff’s statement read. "While we are disappointed Zach will be out for an extended period of time, we look forward to getting him to Winnipeg to begin his rehab with our training staff and getting him back on the ice as soon as possible.”

By Friday afternoon Bogosian had this to say via his Twitter account: “Thanks again everyone for the wishes, up and moving around now.”

The timing of the surgery — before the expiration of the CBA — means Bogosian will collect his full salary in the event of a player lockout.

He suited up in 65 games last season, posting five goals and 25 assists, with a minus-3 rating and 71 minutes in penalties.

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